No 'blanket suspension' of classes in Masbate: DepEd
Learning to continue despite the 'alarming rate' of communist rebel activities
The Department of Education (DepEd) assured the affected learners, as well as their parents and guardians, that learning will continue despite the “alarming rate” of communist rebel activities in Masbate.
DepEd, in a statement issued Thursday, March 23, vehemently condemned the “terrorist encounters” which are causing “undue learning disruption” in the province.
“These acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel who witnessed the senseless violence,” DepEd said in a statement issued Thursday, March 23.
“DepEd remains defiant against these fear-mongering tactics of terrorists as the agency commits to deliver basic education to all, even in disadvantaged areas,” it added.
Thus, DepEd urged the public to “remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism and violence.”
Learning to continue
Meanwhile, DepEd noted that the Regional Office V and Schools Division Office (SDO) Masbate were tasked to ensure learning continuity shall take place. “As such, there will be no blanket suspension of classes,” DepEd said. The agency added that explained that suspension of in-person classes and immediate shift to blended learning “shall be left to the discretion of the school heads/principals, upon due assessment and proper coordination with the concerned LGU — keeping in mind the peace and order situation, as well as the mental health of learners and school personnel.” Moreover, DepEd assured that Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte and the Army Division Commander have open communications lines and the latter has “committed to protect our school personnel and learners in the area.” DepEd also expressed support to the Philippine Army and Duterte has also expressed her intention to visit the affected areas in Masbate once it is determined by the authorities that her presence will not disrupt ongoing operations.